Harrison’s Story
Harrison has turned his passion for 3D printing into a thriving business, using The Teenage Market in Margate to build connections, grow his confidence and raise funds to compete in international Pokémon eSports tournaments.
🧩 From Christmas gift to creative business
Harrison’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a simple Christmas gift: a 3D printer. What started as a fun way to create models quickly became a thriving business, helping him fund his dream of competing in Pokémon eSports tournaments.
Harrison had convinced his parents to buy him a 3D printer by promising that he would use it to make money for his tournaments. It did not take long for him to deliver on that promise. Before long, his bedroom had become a mini factory of creativity, producing 3D-printed models that he could sell to customers.
Soon after, Harrison’s mother discovered that The Teenage Market was coming to Margate, offering a free platform for young creatives to sell their products. Harrison eagerly signed up and took part in his first market in summer 2023, marking the start of a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey.
His first Teenage Market event was a revelation. With his handcrafted 3D-printed models, Harrison captured the attention of customers and began to realise that putting his creativity out into the world could lead to opportunities he had not expected.
“It’s amazing how one conversation can open a door you didn’t even know existed.”
🎪 Building confidence and connections
The Teenage Market gave Harrison a space that felt professional, but also welcoming and accessible for someone his age. It allowed him to meet customers face-to-face, talk about how his products were made and learn what people responded to.
One of the most important moments came when a Pokémon card shop owner in Margate spotted his stall and offered him sponsorship, providing rare cards and financial support for his tournaments. For Harrison, this showed the value of putting himself forward and being open to conversations with people in his community.
At his second market during Christmas, Harrison developed his stall further by introducing clear signage and special offers, including a “three for £10” deal. The changes made a big difference, helping him sell so many items that he made nearly £600 at the event.
With the money he earned through The Teenage Market in Margate, Harrison reinvested in his business, purchasing a new multi-colour 3D printer to expand his product range and develop more ambitious designs.
🏆 Funding international adventures
Harrison’s entrepreneurial journey has not only helped fund his passions, but also sparked a deeper understanding of how creativity can connect people. At each Teenage Market, he meets customers from all walks of life, many of whom are intrigued by the story behind his products.
These conversations have led to unexpected opportunities, including a tour of a professional stop-motion animation studio and discussions about future collaborations. Harrison’s experience has taught him that creativity is not just about making products — it is about building connections, sharing ideas and inspiring others along the way.
The money Harrison has earned from selling his 3D-printed creations has helped him fund trips to some of Europe’s most renowned Pokémon eSports tournaments. Over the past 18 months, he has competed internationally in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and France, as well as at major UK events in cities including Birmingham and Liverpool.
These trips have not only been about competing. They have also been powerful experiences of personal growth. Harrison has learned to manage his time, plan his expenses and navigate new places and cultures. The income he has raised through The Teenage Market has also eased the financial burden on his family, allowing them to support him on these journeys with less worry.
Harrison’s story shows how a simple idea, the right platform and a supportive local market can open up opportunities far beyond a single event. Through The Teenage Market, he has built a business, grown his confidence, made valuable connections and taken his ambitions onto an international stage.
